A Guide to Online Electrical Engineering Programs

Considering an online electrical engineering program? You’re exploring a flexible path into a dynamic and essential field. This guide breaks down what you can expect to learn, from the fundamental principles that power our world to the advanced specializations that will shape our future, giving you a clear picture of the curriculum.

The Structure of Online Electrical Engineering Studies

Before diving into the specific subjects, it’s helpful to understand how online electrical engineering programs work. Unlike many other fields, engineering requires a significant hands-on component. Universities have developed innovative ways to deliver a comprehensive education remotely.

Most programs use a combination of learning models:

  • Synchronous Learning: This involves live, scheduled online classes where you interact with professors and classmates in real-time through video conferencing. It mimics a traditional classroom experience, allowing for immediate questions and group discussions.
  • Asynchronous Learning: This provides maximum flexibility. Lectures are pre-recorded, and assignments have weekly or bi-weekly deadlines. You can study at your own pace, which is ideal for students balancing work or other commitments.

A key question for prospective students is how labs are handled. Online programs typically address this through:

  • Virtual Labs and Simulations: Sophisticated software allows you to build, test, and analyze circuits and systems in a simulated environment. Programs like Multisim or LTspice are common tools that let you experiment without physical components.
  • At-Home Lab Kits: Many top universities, such as Arizona State University and the University of North Dakota, mail students physical lab kits. These kits contain components like breadboards, microcontrollers (like Arduino or Raspberry Pi), resistors, and sensors, allowing you to complete hands-on assignments from home.
  • Intensive On-Campus Sessions: Some programs may require a brief, intensive session on campus once or twice during the degree. These “residency” periods are dedicated to completing complex lab work that cannot be done remotely.

Core Topics: The Foundation of Electrical Engineering

Every electrical engineering student, whether online or on-campus, must master a set of core principles. These foundational courses provide the essential knowledge needed for all advanced specializations. Your first two years will be heavily focused on these subjects.

Circuits and Electronics

This is the bedrock of the entire field. You will start with the absolute basics and build from there. Key concepts include:

  • Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Laws: The fundamental rules governing voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits.
  • AC/DC Circuits: Understanding the differences between alternating current and direct current and how to analyze circuits for both.
  • Semiconductor Devices: Learning about the components that make modern electronics possible, including diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers (op-amps).
  • Analog and Digital Electronics: Differentiating between continuous analog signals and discrete digital signals and learning to design basic circuits for each.

Digital Logic and Computer Systems

This area bridges the gap between electrical engineering and computer science. You will learn how computers think at the most fundamental level. Topics include:

  • Boolean Algebra: The mathematical system of logic that underpins all digital computing.
  • Logic Gates: Understanding the basic building blocks of digital circuits (AND, OR, NOT, NAND gates).
  • Microprocessors and Microcontrollers: Studying the architecture and programming of the small computers that are embedded in countless devices, from microwaves to cars.

Electromagnetism

This course delves into the physics that governs electricity. While highly theoretical and math-intensive, it’s crucial for understanding everything from antennas to electric motors. You will study:

  • Maxwell’s Equations: The set of four fundamental equations that describe how electric and magnetic fields are generated and interact.
  • Electromagnetic Waves: Understanding how radio waves, microwaves, and light propagate through space. This is essential for communications and optics.

Signals and Systems

This subject is about interpreting and manipulating signals, which can be anything from an audio recording to a satellite transmission. It involves a lot of advanced mathematics and forms the basis for digital signal processing (DSP). You’ll learn about:

  • Fourier and Laplace Transforms: Mathematical tools used to analyze signals in different domains, making complex problems easier to solve.
  • Filtering: Designing systems to remove unwanted noise or isolate specific information from a signal.

Advanced Topics and Specializations

Once you have a firm grasp of the core concepts, you can pursue an area of specialization. This is where you can tailor your education to your specific career interests. Online programs offer a variety of advanced tracks.

Power Systems Engineering

This classic specialization focuses on the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power. With the global shift towards renewable energy and smart grids, this field is more important than ever. Advanced courses cover topics like power electronics, renewable energy systems, and grid management.

Communications and RF Engineering

This field is all about transmitting information wirelessly. It’s the technology behind Wi-Fi, 5G, GPS, and satellite communications. You will study advanced topics like antenna theory, modulation techniques, and microwave engineering.

Control Systems

Control systems engineers design automated systems that behave in a desired way. This is the core of robotics, autonomous vehicles, and industrial automation. Coursework includes feedback theory, digital control systems, and state-space analysis.

Microelectronics and VLSI Design

This specialization involves designing and fabricating integrated circuits, or microchips. It is a highly detailed field that requires knowledge of semiconductor physics and computer-aided design (CAD) tools. You would learn the entire process of taking a chip design from concept to fabrication.

Computer Engineering

This popular specialization is a blend of electrical engineering and computer science. It focuses on hardware design, from individual computer components to network architecture and embedded systems. If you are interested in designing the physical components of computers and smart devices, this is the track for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online electrical engineering degrees respected by employers? Yes, especially when the degree is from a university accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous quality standards, and employers view ABET-accredited degrees, whether online or on-campus, as equally valid.

What are the math requirements for an online EE program? Electrical engineering is heavily math-based. You will need a strong foundation in calculus, including multivariate calculus, as well as differential equations and linear algebra. Most programs require you to complete these courses with high grades before moving on to core engineering subjects.

Can I get a job immediately after graduating from an online program? Graduates from accredited online programs are well-prepared for the job market. Your career opportunities will be similar to those of a traditional graduate. Success often depends on factors like internships, co-op experiences, personal projects, and networking, which are important for all students.